January 21, 2023 – “Know the Miracles”

“On the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine gave out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what concern is that to you and to me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward.” So they took it. When the steward tasted the water that had become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the steward called the bridegroom and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the inferior wine after the guests have become drunk. But you have kept the good wine until now.” Jesus did this, the first of his signs, in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” John 2:1-11

Even though there was a blizzard raging outside, I made it the half-mile to the bakery, where I asked the owner for six rolls. “Your wife must like rolls,” the baker said. “How do you know these are for my wife?” I asked.

“Because your mother wouldn’t send you out in weather like this.”

Mary the mother of Jesus tells the servants “Do whatever he tells you.” And the fact that they do means they were, unbeknownst to them, about to witness the first miracle of Jesus. Had they not been willing to listen to his mother, they would have missed the miracle that her son performed.

How many times do we miss the miracles that happen in our lives? How many times do we assign happenstance or good luck to events that may have been little miracles? As the story suggests, it is easy to misunderstand what we hear – just as it is easy to misunderstand what we see. When the miracles happen in our lives, we need to be paying attention enough so we can understand that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives – and not miss those opportunities to see the miracle or be the miracle.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, keep me awake and make me aware when you are present every day. Amen.

Pastor Dave

January 20, 2023 – “Listening”

“He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” ² So he said to them, “When you pray, say:

Father, may your name be revered as holy.
    May your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread.
And forgive us our sins,  for we ourselves forgive everyone indebted to us.
    And do not bring us to the time of trial.”” Luke 11:1-4

How do you hear G-d calling you? This is one of the most important questions a Christian can ask him or herself. Why? Because if we do not hear the voice of G-d calling us, how do we know that we are the right path in our walk with G-d? Now I can hear some of you contemplating the question “What does it feel like or look like to hear G-d’s voice?” Well, now that is a great question. Some will hear the voice of G-d through a situation that happens in front of them, and a sense of acting upon that situation will come upon them. In other words, we can be called by G-d through the situations we encounter on a day-to-day basis.

We can also be called by G-d through the appeals of others to do, or act, or give, or help. G-d may call us to serve at a food pantry, read the lessons at church, or plan a meal for a loved one. It does not have to be an audible voice, for we may even hear that still, small voice of G-d internally, voicing a direction or a path for ministry. So what is most important? Listening for the voice, the urge, the sense of direction. We need to be certain that we take the time to quiet our minds, so we can hear the voice of G-d. And, do not be surprised when G-d calls you when you least expect it.

Let us pray: Dear G-d, help me to quiet my mind today so I may hear your voice, your calling, your direction. Amen.

Pastor Dave